March Wrap up - Book Haul & What to Expect Next Month

March is almost over and since my weekend is pretty busy, I'm writing my Wrap Up already! This month, was that month that I was SO excited about this one book, but didn't get to read it. I'm talking about Gemina! I'll have to read that one in April, and I should also read March (Calendar Girl #3). You'll find other books that you can expect at the end of this post. Thanks for stopping by!

  

 

DIGITAL BOOKS

(either from Netgalley, authors or self-bought)

   

 

PHYSICAL BOOKS

(either from Celebrate Books, authors or self-bought)

   

   

This list is way too long, I know... I'll have to make choices during the month!

   

   

   

What book are you most excited about to read next month!?

Review (re-read): Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter #1)

Author: J.K. Rowling
Started reading: March 20th 2017
Finished the book: March 28th 2017
Pages: 332
Genres: Fantasy, YA, Fiction, Adventure
Published: June 26th 1997
Source: Bought the book
Goodreads score: 4.44
My score:

Synopsis:
Harry Potter has never heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
An incredible adventure is about to begin!

My thoughts

I'm writing for every person that has not yet read the Harry Potter books or is thinking about re-reading. You might think that every person on earth has read a HP book at some point, but you will be astonished if you figure out how many people did not yet read it! I LOVED the movies when I was younger. It's so hard to turn great books into good movies (cuz the movies are never better than the books). I assure you; The books are awesome and you should read them, or just re-read them. I've been reading them 13 years ago or something and I don't remember that much. So you can expect a lot of Harry Potter reviews this year!

Pros

• Worldbuilding: The worldbuilding is great in the Harry Potter books. It's the magical atmosphere that drags you in and won't let you go. I gotta tell you: I'm still waiting for my Hogwarts letter to tell me I got a place... It all feels so magical and so real. Everything is explained vividly and you can picture everything in your head so easily! You actually explore the wizard-world together with Harry, who had no idea too...
• Characters: There is a character for every person. Everyone will have their favorite and it can be from Malfoy, to Hagrid, to Hermione or Ron. You don't have to be the Harry Potter-fangirl to like the book! The characters are so well thought through that everyone can relate with one of the characters.
• Adventure/Mystery: Love it! There is so much adventure and mystery in the books. You discover new secrets or learn new things in every chapter of every book. That's why I (as a 25 year old person) still LOVE the books. Even this book, where Harry is still 11 years old.

Cons

Nope...

Overall

Like I said; I'm writing this blog-post for the people that have not yet read the Harry Potter series or who are considering re-reading it. JUST - DO - IT.

Memorable quotes from this book

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live."

"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends."

"To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure."

What's your favorite Harry Potter wand?
Mine is Hermione's!!

  

Review: Letting Go

Author: Maria Thompson Corley
Started reading: March 18th 2017
Finished the book: March 25th 2017
Pages: 500
Genres: Romance
Published: July 4th 2016
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: Not enough reviews
My score:


Synopsis
Even though she lives hundreds of miles away, when Langston, who dreams of being a chef, meets Cecile, a Juilliard-trained pianist, he is sure that his history of being a sidekick, instead of a love interest, is finally over. Their connection is real and full of potential for a deeper bond, but the obstacles between them turn out to be greater than distance. Can these busy, complicated people be ready for each other at the same time? Does it even matter? Before they can answer these questions, each must do battle with the ultimate demon-fear.

My thoughts

I've been skipping between 3 apples and 4 apples for a while, maybe I'll give this one 3 and a half. I usually don't do halves but I can't choose right now!
I'm not even sure yet while I post this, but maybe my choice gets clearer while I write this!

Pros

• Believable story: This story felt like it could have been based on a true story (which it maybe is in some parts). Langston and Cecile felt so real to me. Their lives felt real, the way they struggle with people around them and themselves felt real, their ups and downs in life felt real. It wasn't too much of anything, it just really felt like I was reading a story based on true events. At some point those 2 people really existed for me and that's a great compliment!
• I needed more in the end: When I read the last few sentences I was like: "Noooo!! I need more.. I want to KNOW. I want to be part of the journey". It's always a great feeling when you need more and want more from a book. At this point I didn't want the book to end and I wished it had 2 or 3 chapters more.

Cons

• Felt long: At some point I was struggling to get through the book. That wouldn't take long and I was always able to pick up the book and keep reading. I was also craving for a part where Langston and Cecile would be together so maybe that's why I didn't like the parts where they weren't in a conversation together or when they were with other people. I also felt like this story didn't need 500 pages to be told.
• I needed more in the end: So, this story is about Langston and Cecile and I really feel like I don't have closure. To need more from a book in the end is also a strong part, but it's also aching somewhere inside me to know more, to read more and I have so many questions! I felt like I needed an ending with more answers. I was kinda sad it ended where it did and not maybe a month later...

Overall

This is a beautiful story that feels so real. I like that it's zooming in on the lives of two people who both struggle with love (and life). I also enjoyed to be on a journey through the lives of Langston and Cecile from young adulthood to their late 30's. I feel really blessed for everything I have right now and the relationship I'm in. At the end of the book I felt happy but I would've liked more, so I felt a bit like this...

Other opinions about this book

"A smart and sexy story that captures the raw essence of love. Heartfelt, haunting, tender, tough and true."

- Louise Caiola USA Today Bestseller Author

What's the best romance you've read?